Mobile Confectionary Apparatus With Protectible Dispensing System

ABSTRACT

The mobile confectionary apparatus for dispensing beverages and/or frozen confections and the like, includes a vehicle configured for travel over public roads to a location such as a parking lot, street, festival or fair grounds, or the like. The vehicle includes an enclosure having an interior space in which one or more persons can prepare and dispense confections, or containers for confections or beverages. The enclosure includes one or more service windows or openings for dispensing the prepared confections or containers; and a self-serve liquid dispensing system on or in an outer surface of the enclosure, usable by recipients of the dispensed confections or containers, for selectably dispensing toppings on the confections, or liquids into the containers, separately from the dispensing and selling thereof. The dispensing system is closable or coverable by a person from within the interior space, to prevent access from the outside, and for cleaning, service and travel.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/959,588, filed Jul. 11, 2007.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to a mobile confectionary apparatus fordispensing drinks and/or food items such as frozen confections and thelike, and more particularly, to a vehicle including a side having awindow through which confections, or confection containers are sold ordistributed, and a protectible, self-service liquid dispensing systemusable for adding a topping or dispensing liquid into the container,which dispensing system has an open, operational mode, and a closed,protected mode so as to be inaccessible by customers, and also forcleaning, service and preparation for travel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/959,588, filedJul. 11, 2007, is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety byreference.

Mobile confectionaries for selling a variety of confections, e.g., snowcones, shaved ice, ice creams, beverages, have been around for years.The mobility is typically provided by incorporation into or onto atruck, trailer, kiosk, etc., and allows customers to purchase a beverageor the like in places they do not typically have an option to, e.g.,festivals, parks, and on streets outside of customer's homes, etc. Thedispensing of liquids, e.g., drinks, flavorings, etc, has typically beendone by a person within the truck/trailer, or by the customer at akiosk. The known kiosks used are generally inside a larger structure ortemporarily at an event and left unprotected by the elements and need tobe placed in a location by a secondary means of transportation. This isdisadvantageous, as it either does not allow the units to be placed inlocations where they are exposed to the elements, or it prevents easyportability.

Structurally, a mobile confectionery will typically include anenclosure, e.g. a box, having an interior work space outfitted for thepreparation and sale of the confections, and at least one service windowthrough which the confections are dispensed and the transaction isconducted. The work space will be large enough for at least one personto work, and will contain apparatus for preparing the confections, e.g.,ice shaving or crushing apparatus, slush making apparatus, icecream/custard dispensing apparatus, or the like.

It has been found that in the mobile confectionery field, profitabilityand customer satisfaction are largely dependent on consumer appeal andproductivity, which are mainly the result of providing quality productsand fast service. The sales opportunity may also be time sensitive, suchas when crowds are present before or after a show or concert, or duringan intermission, and can quickly dissipate. For instance, if the line ofcustomers at one confectionary is longer than at others, a consumer maymake a choice of another confectionery. Another important measure ofproduct quality and customer satisfaction, particularly for frozenconfections, such as shaved ice, snow cones, and the like, is thequantity of topping or flavoring applied to the confection. Stillfurther from the productivity standpoint, particularly for sales tochildren, it has been observed that valuable time can be lost waitingfor customers to select their topping or flavor.

Thus, what is sought is a mobile confectionary apparatus, whichincreases customer satisfaction, productivity and sales, particularlyfor frozen confections, and which overcomes one or more of theshortcomings and problems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

What is disclosed is mobile confectionary apparatus, which increasescustomer satisfaction, productivity and sales, and which overcomes oneor more of the shortcomings and problems set forth above.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the mobileconfectionary apparatus includes a mobile vehicle, such as a truck ortrailer, including at least one upstanding side wall having an interiorsurface bounding an interior space on the vehicle adapted for receivingat least one person. The confectionery apparatus includes apparatusdisposed in the interior space, configured to be usable or operable by aperson for preparing a confection, or the space can be used fordispensing containers, such as, but not limited to, cups, for holdingconfections, such as beverages. For instance, such confection preparingapparatus can comprise, but is not limited to, apparatus for flaking,crushing and/or shaving ice, or for turning liquid into a frozen slush,and depositing the prepared confection in a cup or other container. Suchapparatus can also include an insulated container, freezer orrefrigerator. The side wall includes at least one opening or windowthrough which the prepared confections, or confection containers, can bedispensed, and a monetary transaction for the confections conducted.

The side wall additionally includes a liquid dispensing system at alocation so as to be accessible by a person located outside of thevehicle, the dispensing system being alternatively configurable in adispensing or open mode or configuration, and a closed or protected modeor configuration. In the dispensing mode, the dispensing system has atleast one liquid dispenser positioned and manually operable by a personlocated outside of the vehicle for dispensing a liquid into a purchasedcontainer, or onto a confection, disposed generally beneath thedispenser. Thus, using the system, the recipient of a container canselect a liquid to be dispensed, and fill the container to a desiredextent with the selected liquid. Similarly, a recipient of a confectioncan select and apply one or more toppings to the confection, in adesired amount. Additionally, in either instance, if allowed, therecipient can even leave and return later to refill the container or addtoppings, which can be advantageous from a customer satisfactionstandpoint. If the confection is for a child, the external dispensarygives an attending adult the ability to limit the amount of the beveragereceived or topping applied, and it allows the child to take a longertime if desired or necessary to select a flavor or flavors, which canalso increase customer satisfaction. This is also desirable from anoperations standpoint as reduces transaction time and personnelrequirements, and increases the speed at which the confections areserved, thereby improving productivity compared to if the containers arefilled, or the toppings were applied by a worker.

As practical examples, a coach or parent purchasing confections for ateam or several recipients can merely purchase a required number ofconfections, and the containers filled or toppings applied after thetransaction, by the recipients. Since less worker time is required,fewer persons are required for serving.

The dispensing system is preferably quickly and easily movable orconvertible to the closed or protected mode or configuration, fromwithin the interior space of the vehicle. This is advantageous, as inthe closed mode, access to the liquid beverage or toppings by personsoutside of the vehicle is prevented, and it configures the system fortravel and protects it from environmental elements, such as dirt, rain,and road spray during travel, and, in at least some embodiments, alsoallows cleaning the dispensing apparatus of the system from inside thevehicle.

According to another preferred aspect of the invention, each of thedispensers is connected by a liquid line to a reservoir carried on themobile structure and containing a quantity of the beverage or toppingfor that dispenser. The system, in the dispensing configuration,additionally preferably includes a tray spaced at least generally belowthe dispenser or dispensers and configured for catching spilled ordropped liquid beverages or toppings and directing them to a wastecontainer carried on the vehicle.

As a preferred configuration of the invention, the dispenser and tray ofthe system are integrated so as to be positioned at an angularrelationship one to the other, so as to be jointly configurable in thedispensing and closed positions, for instance, but not limited to, by asimple pivoting or rotating action or movement, or by a slidingmovement. Also preferably, when closed, the bottom or non-serving sideof the tray can serve as the cover member.

According to various other preferred aspects of the invention, thesystem can include multiple dispensers for dispensing a variety offlavors of liquids can be provided, in connection respectively withreservoirs containing the liquids located within the vehicle, whichliquids can be, for instance, flavored beverages such as soft drinks orjuices, or toppings such as syrups. Gravity feed can be used fordispensing the liquids, or a pressurized system used.

As examples of alternative constructions for the dispensing system, thecover member can be a hinged member preferably automatically movablebetween an open or dispensing position, and a closed or coveringposition. As another alternative, the cover member can be configured asa sliding member disposed within the wall and manually or automaticallyslidable between open and closed positions. And, as an alternativeintegrated construction, the cover member and dispenser or dispenserscan be incorporated into a drawer slidable into and out of the sidewall.

As still another alternative configuration, the apparatus of thedispensing system can be recessed in an opening in the side wall, andthe tray pivotally mounted to the side wall so as to be pivotablebetween a generally horizontal open or deployed position spaced at leastgenerally below the dispenser, and an upstanding closed positioncovering and protecting the opening. In the open position, the tray isconfigured for catching overflowed or spilled liquid beverages ortoppings, and directing the spillage to a waste container carried on thevehicle.

As still another preferred aspect of the invention, the externalapparatus of the dispensing system is sufficiently spaced from theopening or window from which the confections or containers are dispensedand sold, to allow dispensing of the confections or containers at thedispensing opening or window, separately from the filling of thecontainers or application of the toppings to the confections.

In summary, a dispensing system for liquids is disclosed which iscontained in a mobile structure, via wheels or motor/engine, so as togive or deny access to users, and when access is allowed, give them theoption of dispensing the desired amount of liquid. The dispensing systemhas the ability to be exposed or enclosed within the structure toallow/limit the access to users, and when enclosed, allow for cleaningand transportation of the structure to prevent any damage to thedispensing system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is simplified side view of a mobile confectionary apparatus ofthe invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified sectional view of the apparatus, showing aspectsof a liquid dispensing system of the apparatus in an open or dispensingmode;

FIG. 3 is another simplified sectional view of the confectionaryapparatus, showing aspects of the dispensing system, and illustrating aperson using the system to apply a topping on a confection;

FIG. 4 is still another simplified sectional view of the dispensingsystem, being moved by a person from the dispensing mode to a closedmode;

FIG. 4A is still another simplified sectional view of the dispensingsystem, in the closed mode;

FIG. 5 is another simplified sectional view of the apparatus, shownincluding an optional light in an air blower louver of the dispensingsystem;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a mobile confectionary apparatusincluding aspects of the liquid dispensing system embodied in analternative support structure according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mobile confectionary apparatus showingaspects of the liquid dispensing system embodied in another constructionaccording to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a mobile confectionary apparatus showingaspects of the liquid dispensing system embodied in another constructionaccording to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a mobile confectionary apparatus showingaspects of the liquid dispensing system embodied in still anotherconstruction according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a mobile confectionary apparatusshowing aspects of the liquid dispensing system embodied in stillanother construction according to the invention, and including a covermember for the aspects of the system; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a mobile confectionary apparatusshowing aspects of the liquid dispensing system embodied in stillanother construction according to the invention, shown being installedon a side wall of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts,in FIG. 1, a mobile confectionary apparatus 20 constructed and operableaccording to the teachings of the present invention is shown. Apparatus20 is shown here as including a conventional truck 22, including anengine and drive line (not shown) operable for drivingly rotating a pairof rear wheels 24 in the well known conventional manner, for propellingtruck 22 over roads and the like to various destinations. Truck 22supports a mobile structure 26, which is essentially a box, including aside wall 28, enclosing an interior space 30, viewable through atransparent service window 32 in side wall 28. Window 32 includes aconfection dispensing opening 34, through which confections, orcontainers therefore, can be dispensed, and transactions for theconfections conducted. Window 32 is located at a suitable elevationabove a surface 36 on which truck 22 is located, for a person standingbeside the truck to receive a confection through the window. Interiorspace 30 is sufficiently large for receiving a person, and is bounded onthe opposite side by another side wall, on the bottom by a floor 38, onthe rear by a rear wall 40, on the front by a front wall 42, and aboveby a roof 44. Roof 44 is spaced above floor 38 sufficiently for a personin interior space 30 to stand, and space 30 will preferably containapparatus for use in making or preparing confections, as well as otherapparatus, as required, for storing supplies, e.g., containers, for theconfections, and for conducting the transaction, e.g., a cash registeror the like (not shown).

Mobile confectionary apparatus 20 is preferably configured for makingand serving frozen confections, in particular, ice confections, such as,but not limited to, shaved ice and/or snow cones, onto which a topping,such as a flavored liquid such as a syrup, is to be applied. For thispurpose, a machine 46 representative of well known machines usable forpreparing shaved ice, snow cone, or other frozen confections, isillustrated in dotted lines in interior space 30, operable by a user inthe well known manner for preparing a frozen confection 48. Here, itshould be recognized and understood that apparatus 20 can include a widevariety of equipment and confectionary devices in addition to, or as analternative to, machine 46 illustrated, such as, but not limited to, afreezer, cooler, and/or the like (not shown), as desired or required fora particular application.

Referring also to FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5, apparatus 20 includes a liquiddispensing system 50 attached to or incorporated into mobile structure26, so as to be configurable in a dispensing or open mode for allowinguse by persons outside of the structure for applying a liquid topping toa confection, or filling a container with a liquid confection, and in aclosed or protected mode for denying access to dispensing of liquids,and protecting apparatus of system 50 from damage by a user andenvironmental elements, such as dirt, rain, road spray, and the like,and also for allowing cleaning of the apparatus from within interiorspace 30. Generally, system 50 includes one or more liquid dispensers,e.g., with or without an overflow/spill or catch basin attached to, orcreating a structural element to be attached to, the structure.

Preferably, liquid dispensing system 50 is disposed in or on side wall28 of apparatus 20, and includes at least one liquid dispenser 52positioned, when system 50 is in the dispensing mode, at a suitableheight and location so as to be manually operable by a person locatedoutside of the vehicle for dispensing a liquid, e.g., a topping such asa flavored syrup, on a confection (illustrated by confection 48 in FIG.3); or a beverage into a container such as a cup or the like, disposedgenerally beneath the dispenser 52. Here, a row of dispensers 52 isutilized to provide a variety of flavored toppings, at a heightsufficiently low to be accessible by children and disabled persons,which height can be within a range of from about 30 to about 48 inchesabove a surface on which truck 22 is located. Each dispenser 52comprises a conventionally constructed and operable hand operated valveor spout, such as those commonly found on picnic jugs or commercialcoffee makers, although alternatively, a variety of other selectablyoperable valve or closure devices could be used. Each dispenser 52 isconnected by a liquid line 54, which can be, for instance, a flexibleplastic tube, to a reservoir 56 carried on mobile structure 26 andcontaining a quantity of the liquid to be dispensed by the dispenser.System 50 additionally includes a tray 58 spaced at least generallybelow dispensers 52 and configured for catching toppings or otherliquids or matter dropped from dispensers 52, or overflowing from aconfection or container, such as confection 48, and directing the wasteliquid or matter to a waste container 60 carried on the vehicle.Additionally, when system 50 is in the closed mode, tray 58 comprises acover member which covers and protects dispensers 52.

In this latter regard, tray 58 is preferably disposed on and/or forms apart of, a cover member 62 which is a portion of an L-shaped structure64 including a backsplash 66 oriented at a fixed angle of about 90° tocover member 62. L-shaped structure 64 is preferably of sheet metal orplastic material, and is pivotally mounted by a pivot joint 68, whichcan be a piano or other hinge, to side wall 28 below an opening 70therethrough, so as to be pivotable between an open or dispensingposition wherein tray 58 and cover member 62 are substantiallyhorizontal (FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5) and backsplash 66 is substantiallyvertical, and a closed or covered position wherein tray 58 and covermember 62 are generally vertical and disposed in covering relation toopening 70 (FIG. 4A), and thus in covering relation to and protectingdispensers 52 from access and damage by persons outside of the vehicle,and from contact with environmental elements.

A detent 72, which can be, but is not limited to, a mechanical latch,clamp, clip, or the like, is disposed on side wall 28 adjacent toopening 70 (here illustrated above opening 70) in a position forengaging a periphery of backsplash 66, for releasably holding L-shapedstructure 64 in the open position. Detent 72 is manually operable forreleasing structure 64 by a person located within interior space 30, forinstance, by application of an upward force using one or more fingers ofa person's hand 74, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Once released, structure64 can be manually moved to the closed position (shown in FIG. 4A, andin dotted lines in FIG. 2), to engage cover member 62 with the outersurface of side wall 28 around the periphery of opening 70, and toposition dispensers 52, tray 58, and backsplash 66 within interior space30, so as to be accessible to a person located therein, for cleaning orother purposes. A suitable detent or latch (not shown) such as, but notlimited to, another detent 72, can be utilized for releasably holdingL-shaped structure 64 in the closed position.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 2, reservoirs 56 can be convenientlysupported on racks 76 or other suitable structure or the like withininterior space 30, preferably above the elevation of dispensers 52.Liquid lines 54 extending between reservoirs 56 and dispensers 52, arepreferably flexible, and of sufficient length, to facilitate movement ofL-shaped structure 64 between the open and closed positions. Alsopreferably, each reservoir 56 includes a vent 78 in an upper portionthereof, to facilitate liquid flow therefrom when the associateddispenser 52 is opened. Additionally, each reservoir 56, and theconnecting liquid line, is preferably of a clear material, to enableviewing the quantity of liquid contained therein, as well as fluid flowcharacteristics, from within interior space 30. Similarly, a liquid line54 is preferably provided extending from tray 58 to waste container 60,and is flexible to facilitate the pivotal movements of L-shapedstructure 64. To facilitate flow toward liquid line 54 in connectionwith waste container 60, tray 58 has a overflow/spill catch basin 80which slopes downwardly toward an inlet of line 58, and a generally flatupper surface 82 of ribbed construction or the like, on which acontainer can rest, as illustrated in FIG. 3. After waste container 60is full, or is otherwise desired to empty the contents thereof, it isremovable and detachable from line 54.

As an additional, optional feature, a blower 84 can be provided fordirecting a flow of air, as denoted by arrow A, over or acrossdispensers 52, and tray 58, for keeping bees, hornets, wasps and otherinsects away from those aspects of system 50, as such insects may beattracted thereto, particularly when sugary liquids are present. Theflow of air can be directed downwardly, sidewardly, or in any desiredmanner which achieves the desired effect. Blower 84 can bebattery-powered or powered by an external power source in connectionwith apparatus 20. As an example of one manner of directing the airflow, one or more louvers may be provided in connection with blower 84through side wall 28, for directing the air flow downwardly towarddispensers 52. Here also, blower 84 is illustrated as being locatedwithin interior space 30, but it could alternatively be located at avariety of other locations on apparatus 20, including on L-shapedstructure 64, or the airf low could be directed over the dispensers 52by a suitable duct from blower at a remote location on the vehicle.

As still another feature, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a light 88 operablefor illuminating the external components of system 50 for use afterdark, as generally denoted by arrows B, can be provided on louver 86 oranother location. Light 88 can be battery-powered, or powered by anexternal power source in connection with apparatus 20, as desired orrequired for a particular application.

Referring also to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, several alternativestructures for housing and supporting aspects of liquid dispensingsystem 50 are shown, like elements of these structures to those of thepreviously described system 50 being identified by like numerals.Referring more particularly to FIG. 6, liquid dispensers 52 of system 50are located within a recess 90 within mobile structure 26, accessiblethrough opening 70. Liquid dispensers 52 are supported on a backsplash66 above tray 58, and are connected to reservoirs 56 (e.g., FIG. 1) inthe above described manner. Tray 58 will also be connected to a wastecontainer. Here, tray 58 and backsplash 66 are preferably fixed orfixable in position, and can be covered by a sliding cover member 92carried within or behind side wall 28, and movable by a person fromwithin structure 26 to cover opening 70, as denoted by the large arrow.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 7, as another alternative, liquiddispensers 52 of system 50 are supported on backsplash 66 in a recess 90accessible through an opening 70 on side wall 28 of structure 26,dispensers 52 being individually connected to liquid lines 54 andpullable by a user outwardly through opening 70 for use.

In FIG. 8, liquid dispensers 52 of system 50 are shown supported on adrawer 94 mounted in opening 70 of side wall 28 of structure 26, formovement inwardly and outwardly by a person located within structure 26,between a closed or protected position, and an open or dispensingposition (shown). A cover member 96 pivotally mounted to side wall 28adjacent the lower periphery of opening 70 by a self-closing hinge 98,will automatically pivot into closing relation to opening 70 when drawer94 is moved to its closed position.

FIG. 9 shows still another alternative mounting structure for aspects ofsystem 50, here including a plurality of liquid dispensers 52 thereof,which mounting structure includes a backsplash 66 mountable by a personfrom within structure 26, in an opening 70 of side wall 28 of thestructure. Liquid lines 54 will connect with reservoirs carrying theflavored liquids, as disclosed and discussed above. Suitable detents,such as detents 72 discussed and disclosed above, or other retainerelements, e.g., slots or grooves (on the inside of side wall 28), can beutilized for engaging tabs 100 on backsplash 66, for retaining it in theopening.

In FIG. 10, still another alternative mounting structure for aspects ofsystem 50 are shown. Here, backsplash 66 and an integral tray 58 areshown permanently affixed to the outer surface of side wall 28 ofstructure 26, with a plurality of liquid dispensers 52 projecting fromthe backsplash. A removable cover member 102 is illustrated as beingpositionable and securable in covering relation to dispensers 52 andtray 58, as denoted by the large curved arrow. Liquid dispensers 52 willconnect with the reservoirs, as already explained.

FIG. 11 shows still another structure 104 for supporting liquiddispensers 52 and tray 58 of system 50 on an outer surface of a sidewall 28 of a mobile structure 26, here, backsplash 66 and tray 58 beingincorporated into structure 104, which is hangable on the side wallusing cooperatively engageable hanger brackets 106 and 108, asillustrated by the large curved arrow. Again, dispensers 52 areconnectable by liquid lines 54, which will extend through side wall 28,to the reservoirs for receiving the flavored liquids therefrom, asalready explained.

Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a novelmobile confectionary apparatus and liquid dispensing system, whichovercomes many of the problems set forth above. It will be apparent,however, to those familiar in the art, that many changes, variations,modifications, and other uses and applications for the subject deviceare possible. All such changes, variations, modifications, and otheruses and applications that do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limitedonly by the claims which follow.

1. A mobile confectionary apparatus, comprising: a mobile vehicleincluding at least one upstanding side wall bounding an interior spaceon the vehicle adapted for receiving at least one person; the interiorspace being configured to be usable by a person for preparingconfections or dispensing containers for confections; the side wallincluding at least one opening through which the prepared confections orcontainers can be dispensed and a monetary transaction conducted; andthe side wall including a liquid dispensing system configurable in adispensing mode including at least one liquid dispenser positioned andmanually operable by a person located outside of the vehicle fordispensing a liquid onto a confection or into a container disposedgenerally beneath the dispenser, the dispenser being connected by atleast one liquid line to a reservoir carried on the mobile structure andcontaining a quantity of the liquid, and the dispensing system in thedispensing configuration including a tray spaced at least generallybelow the at least one dispenser and configured for catching liquiddropped from the dispenser and directing the dropped liquid to a wastecontainer carried on the vehicle, the liquid dispensing system beingconfigurable in a closed mode covered by a cover member, the liquiddispensing system being further configured so as to be configurable inthe dispensing mode and alternatively in the closed mode by a personlocated within the interior space.
 2. The mobile confectionary apparatusof claim 1, wherein the mobile vehicle comprises a truck.
 3. The mobileconfectionary apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mobile vehicle comprisesa trailer.
 4. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 1, wherein theliquid dispensing system is located in a second opening in the side wallin connection with the interior space.
 5. The mobile confectionaryapparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one dispenser and the trayare jointly pivotally mounted to the side wall so as to be pivotablebetween a dispensing mode position extending outwardly from the secondopening in the side wall so as to be accessible by persons outside ofthe vehicle, and a closed mode position wherein the at least onedispenser is retracted into the second opening and covered by the tray.6. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 5, wherein the wastecontainer is located in the interior space, and wherein the liquiddispensing system further comprises a liquid line extending from thetray to the waste container.
 7. The mobile confectionary apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the liquid dispensing system when in the toppingsdispensing mode includes an element positioned within the interior spacegraspable and movable by a person from inside the interior space forpivoting the liquid dispensing system to the closed mode.
 8. The mobileconfectionary apparatus of claim 1, comprising a row of the dispensersconnected by liquid lines to a plurality of reservoirs carried on themobile vehicle and containing a quantity of the liquid, respectively. 9.The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of theliquids comprises a flavored liquid, and wherein the reservoirs aredisposed above the dispensers, such that the liquids will flow underforce of gravity through the liquid lines to the dispensers,respectively.
 10. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe liquid dispensing system includes apparatus for blowing air past theat least one dispenser, for keeping insects away.
 11. The mobileconfectionary apparatus of claim 10, wherein the apparatus for blowingair comprises a hood disposed generally above the at least onedispenser, and a light operable for illuminating the at least onedispenser.
 12. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 4, whereinthe cover member is contained within the side wall and configured so asto be slidable over the opening for covering the liquid dispensingsystem when in the closed mode.
 13. The mobile confectionary apparatusof claim 4, wherein the cover member is configured to be fixedlysecurable to the exterior surface of the side wall in an open positionso as to expose the at least one dispenser when the liquid dispensingsystem is in the dispensing mode.
 14. A mobile frozen confectionaryapparatus, comprising: a mobile vehicle including at least oneupstanding side wall bounding an interior space on the vehicle adaptedfor receiving at least one person; apparatus disposed in the interiorspace, configured to be usable by a person located in the interior spacefor preparing a frozen confection; the side wall including at least oneopening through which the prepared frozen confection can be sold anddispensed; and the side wall including a liquid dispensing system at alocation so as to be accessible by a person located outside of thevehicle separately of the dispensing and selling of the frozenconfections, the liquid dispensing system being configured for movementby a person located in the interior space, between a dispensing positionprojecting from the exterior surface of the wall, and a closed positionwithdrawn into the wall and covered by a protective cover, the systemincluding at least one liquid dispenser positioned and configured whenthe dispensary is in the dispensing position, so as to be manuallyoperable by a person standing outside of the vehicle beside the wall,for dispensing a liquid topping on a frozen confection disposedgenerally beneath the dispenser, the liquid dispenser being connected toa reservoir carried on the mobile structure and containing a quantity ofthe topping.
 15. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 14,comprising a row of the liquid dispensers on the liquid dispensingsystem dispensary and connected by liquid lines to a plurality ofreservoirs carried on the mobile vehicle and containing a quantity ofthe liquid topping, respectively.
 16. The mobile confectionary apparatusof claim 14, wherein the mobile vehicle comprises wheeled vehicle. 17.The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 14, wherein the liquiddispensing system is pivotable between the dispensing position and theclosed position.
 18. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 14,wherein the liquid dispensing system is slidable between the dispensingposition and the closed position.
 19. A mobile confectionary apparatus,comprising: a mobile vehicle including at least one upstanding side wallbounding an interior space on the vehicle adapted for receiving at leastone person, apparatus disposed in the interior space and configured tobe usable by a person therein for preparing a frozen confection, theside wall having an exterior surface opposite the interior surface, theside wall including at least one confection dispensing openingtherethrough through which a prepared frozen confection can be dispensedby a person located in the interior space to a person located outside ofthe vehicle, the side wall including a toppings dispensing opening at alocation so as to be accessible by a person located outside of thevehicle separately from the dispensing of frozen confections from thevehicle, the toppings dispensing opening containing a liquid toppingsdispensing system including at least one toppings dispenser manuallyoperable for dispensing a liquid topping, the toppings dispenser beingconnected by at least one liquid line to a reservoir carried on themobile structure and containing a quantity of the topping, and theexterior surface of the side wall including a cover member configured soas to be positionable in an open position allowing access to thetoppings dispensary by persons located outside of the mobile vehicle,and in a closed position covering the toppings dispensing opening forpreventing access thereto from outside of the vehicle.
 20. The mobileconfectionary apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a tray spaced atleast generally below the at least one toppings dispenser and configuredfor catching toppings dropped from the dispenser and directing thedropped toppings to a waste container carried on the vehicle.
 21. Themobile confectionary apparatus of claim 19, wherein the mobile vehiclecomprises a truck.
 22. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 19,wherein the mobile vehicle comprises a trailer.
 23. The mobileconfectionary apparatus of claim 19, comprising a row of the toppingsdispensers connected by the liquid lines to a plurality of thereservoirs carried on the mobile vehicle and containing a quantity ofthe topping, respectively.
 24. The mobile confectionary apparatus ofclaim 23, wherein each of the toppings comprises a flavored liquid, andwherein the reservoirs are disposed above the dispensers, such that thetoppings will flow under force of gravity through the liquid lines tothe dispensers, respectively.
 25. The mobile confectionary apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein the dispensing system further comprises apparatus forblowing air past the at least one dispenser, for keeping insects away.26. The mobile confectionary apparatus of claim 25, wherein theapparatus for blowing air comprises a hood disposed generally above theat least one dispenser.